The Jolly Sailor, Orford

What a smashing, quirky pub with rooms: the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We liked the fact our room had a bath rather than a shower (perfect after a long day’s hiking) but appreciate that’s not to everyone’s preference, so best to check when booking. The food was excellent – especially the fish dishes – and the pub had a lovely atmosphere with a nice mix of locals and visitors. The location is perfect for walking along Orford Ness and free parking meant we could just leave the car behind throughout our stay. We’ll definitely be back next year.

A great evening at this pub - the place oozes character and the staff have that something special that makes you, the customer, feel welcome. The food was very good and without doubt would return. The only negative was the beer price - never paid £6.50 for a pint.

It was a hot night and we stayed in the seafarers room - this is really not the room to be in - there is a noisy cooling system cooling the beer cellar outside the room. This is a significant issue, but add on the fact that the only way of getting any circulation in this very small room is to open the stable door top or a tiny window next to the bed and you have very difficult conditions for a nights sleep. The bed is not the biggest and is shoehorned into the room with little space for suitcases or clothes. I think the other rooms are better but this one should not be the price it is. The pub however is fine and the service is good. The meals are OK if a little pricey with good fish and chips. Breakfast was also good with a good selection and a freshly cooked English on offer. It is also in a great location to walk down to the sea or wander into the village.

We stayed for 1 night and then 4 nights shortly after, while visiting the Aldeburgh Festival. The pub is a very old one, with lots of character to the building, but of course that means the doors and corridors can be quite snug in places. The first night we were in Seafarers room, which is very small with nowhere to put clothes - avoid that one. The rest of the stay was in Loch Long, which was much better. Overall, the décor was a bit tired, and the servicing of the rooms a little patchy (they are used to one night stays, so 4 nights was unusual for them). Wifi was OK on speed, but rather flaky on connections. At the back, they have a large patio area covered by a big awning and a decent garden area - an excellent place to meet friends and relax. Breakfasts were substantial, but not sophisticated cooking. We only dined in on one night. Two of their better dishes were sold out, which was unfortunate. What we had was average pub food, but one dish was definitely weak. The staff were, without exception, extremity friendly and helpful - a pleasure to behold. Overall, a decent place to stay for our purposes, but with its flaws, albeit minor

Cold! The room was small and poky, which for an old building is perhaps to be expected. Bed was comfy, bathroom was ok (bath only, no shower). Biggest problem was the cold - I was there in November and it was very cold outside, trouble was it was very cold in the room too, uncomfortably so. I was the only guest, there was one radiator in the room and one in the bathroom but both were woefully inadequate. Insulation is a challenge in old buildings I'm sure but more heat is needed, maybe an electric heater or similar as it really was bloody cold. Downstairs in the bar it was OK, with a log fire in the evenings. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was fine.

Lovely pub, great staff, only downside was the very low bed diffult to get up from if you have any joint issues